CHAPTER IV--THE SACK OF SHOREBY

There was not a foe left within striking distance; and Dick, as he looked

ruefully about him on the remainder of his gallant force, began to count

the cost of victory. He was himself, now that the danger was ended, so

stiff and sore, so bruised and cut and broken, and, above all, so utterly

exhausted by his desperate and unremitting labours in the fight, that he

seemed incapable of any fresh exertion.

But this was not yet the hour for repose. Shoreby had been taken by

assault; and though an open town, and not in any manner to be charged

with the resistance, it was plain that these rough fighters would be not

less rough now that the fight was over, and that the more horrid part of

war would fall to be enacted. Richard of Gloucester was not the captain

to protect the citizens from his infuriated soldiery; and even if he had

the will, it might be questioned if he had the power.

It was, therefore, Dick's business to find and to protect Joanna; and

with that end he looked about him at the faces of his men. The three or

four who seemed likeliest to be obedient and to keep sober he drew aside;

and promising them a rich reward and a special recommendation to the

duke, led them across the market-place, now empty of horsemen, and into

the streets upon the further side.

Every here and there small combats of from two to a dozen still raged

The Black Arrow